Case For Support: 6 Legit Reasons ALL Nonprofits Should Have One
We’re on a nonprofit superhero kick here at Grand River Agency! With all the good – all the community impact even the smallest nonprofits aim to achieve – it’s nothing short of heroic. Part of being a nonprofit superhero is gathering the support and resources you need to do the job.
A great case for support is the primary document all nonprofits should have to build their superpowers and League of Community Support. Not all heroes wear capes. Some – like Lucius Fox in Batman – support the good fight with cash and resources.
The trick is getting them on your team.
A nonprofit case for support, aka case statement, compels funders to give graciously for the sake of protecting Gotham. In this blog post, we’ll unravel 6 great reasons why all nonprofits should build a case for support document, exploring why it’s a downright essential piece of nonprofit storytelling for every organization looking to make a lasting impact.
Why is a Case for Support So Important?
Before you don your nonprofit superhero cape and start firing off grant proposals and marketing campaigns, you need a roadmap. The case for support is not just a document. It’s your nonprofit’s superhero dossier, proclaiming everything from impactful programs and community outreach to demographics, financial needs and future aspirations.
Let’s break it all down!
1. Laying a Foundation
As the cornerstone of your nonprofit storytelling, the nonprofit case for support is the comprehensive narrative that informs every aspect of your organization’s expert communications strategy:
- Grant applications
- Marketing materials
- Donor cultivation
- Public relations
- & More
It’s a written and designed document that lays out the who, what, where, when, why and how of your organization – typically in anywhere from 5 to 15 pages, depending on depth and detail required. It’s the strong foundation upon which every engaging story and compelling detail is built. It doesn’t just share what you do. It intricately weaves the “why” into every aspect.
2. Time-Saving Magic
In the fast-paced world of nonprofit heroics, time is ALWAYS of the essence. If your nonprofit fundraising strategy carries any weight, you’re compiling great volumes of grant proposals, marketing materials and otherwise getting your message out. Each piece of messaging serves a vital role in GETTING THE MONEY REQUIRED TO MOVE YOUR MISSION FORWARD!
(Yes, ALL CAPS is necessary.)
Crafting all this from scratch is like reinventing the wheel every time. Why waste precious hours, days and even months when you have a pre-built arsenal of material? Your case for support is a magic wand that saves time, allowing you to focus on what truly matters: making a difference.
You’ll almost always need to adjust content for the purpose at hand, but even saving 50% of your time means you have 50% MORE TIME to amplify efforts, deepen community engagement and, ultimately, fulfill your organization’s mission more effectively.
3. Consistency is Key
Consistency is the basic element of professionalism. It’s key to building a strong nonprofit brand that “sticks to the ribs” as truly memorable. A well-structured case for support ensures your messaging is consistent across all platforms. It keeps your communication strategy on track, fostering trust among donors, partners and the community.
Trust blossoms when donors and funders encounter a seamless narrative – whether in a grant proposal, community event promotion or a simple social media post. Of course, it also helps the people you serve by consistently providing reliable information.
4. Grant Proposal Powerhouse
With a robust case statement in hand, drafting grant proposals becomes a breeze. No more starting from scratch! Simply customize this foundation you’ve already built to suit the specific grant parts and requirements, and you’re ready to conquer funding opportunities.
The case for support is a blanket proposal. It can be sent in its entirety to prospective donors and funders. Or you can pick and choose details as the building blocks to a solid grant application. It encapsulates your organization’s “boilerplate information:
- Mission & vision
- History
- Current programs
- Community impact
- Testimonials
- Admin/staff experience & expertise
- Goals & objectives
The document is a haven of copy-and-paste material. Or it can serve as a baseline of key starting points, upon which you can easily expand. It’s a practical resource that transforms the complexities of grant applications into a straightforward and effective launching pad for fundraising success.
5. Future-Proofing Vision
Your nonprofit’s future focus is a key element of the case for support. It’s not just about your organization’s current makeup. It’s a visionary document that outlines where your organization is headed. Having a roadmap for the future ensures that your strategies align with long-term goals – and that all communications leaving your organization embody that spirit.
A forward-looking compass guides your nonprofit’s trajectory. It not only aids in strategic planning, but also serves as a beacon for your team, current and prospective donors, stakeholders and individuals served. It communicates that your nonprofit not only addresses immediate needs, but also is actively shaping a sustainable and impactful future that will adjust with evolving community needs.
6. Community Connection
The case for support is a powerful tool to connect with the community. It tells your story and authentically showcases your impact. It builds a bridge from your organization to the hearts of potential supporters.
By sharing your case for support document, you extend an invitation for others not just to witness your nonprofit mission, but to become active participants. When frequently updated to detail current realities, it’s a dynamic link of shared purpose, understanding and collective action within the community you serve.
Elevate Your Nonprofit Superhero Status with a Great Nonprofit Case for Support
Every superhero needs a signature move. For nonprofits, that strategic move is a great case for support. It’s the tool that elevates your superhero status in the charitable world, making you stand out, not just as an organization but as a force for positive change.
It’s more than a document. It’s your manifesto of impact from which all other communications originate. By crafting a great case statement, you’re showcasing your nonprofit superhero’s unique strengths, achievements and transformative journey to serve the underserved. It’s the emblem on your superhero cape, instantly recognizable and resonant with the power to inspire and mobilize.
Admittedly, there are many moving parts and complexities involved with compiling such a comprehensive document. Without dedicated communications staff, it can be nearly impossible. Let Grand River Agency help you produce a ready-to-use foundation. No more reinventing the wheel. Let’s get your messaging right and begin to focus on what truly matters — making a difference.
President and Founder, Grand River Agency
With over 17 years of diverse experience in print journalism, digital media marketing, and nonprofit administration, Kelsey Boudin founded Grand River Agency (formerly Southern Tier Communications Strategies) in 2020. The agency specializes in offering contract-based strategic communications, content marketing, grant proposals, website design, and public relations services to small businesses and nonprofits. Kelsey’s career spans roles as an editor, content creator, and grant writer, reflecting his expertise in leading successful digital marketing campaigns, securing funding, and executing various projects.
